28.07.2026 15:00
After baklava, cacık, and Turkish coffee, Greece has now targeted the registered Black Sea delicacy Laz böreği. Presenting the dessert unique to the Eastern Black Sea region as "Galaktoboureko," a traditional Thessaloniki flavor, the Greek press has also declared many Turkish desserts, from künefe to kazandibi, as part of Thessaloniki's culture.
In Greece, which shares great similarities with Turkey through its Mediterranean and Ottoman heritage of common flavors, the Laz pastry, one of the iconic tastes of Black Sea cuisine, has become a topic of debate. This registered delicacy from the Rize and Artvin regions was introduced in the neighboring country as a traditional Greek dessert called "Galaktoboureko."
NEW NAME FOR LAZ PASTRY: GALAKTOBOUREKO
The presentation of Laz pastry as "Galaktoboureko" in Greece has reignited flavor debates. It is learned that the name given to the dessert is derived from the combination of the Greek word "galakto" (milk) and the Turkish-origin word "boureko" (börek). Presenting this dessert, one of the most important flavors of Eastern Black Sea culture, as an original part of Greek cuisine has sparked reactions.
PRAISE IN THE GREEK PRESS
In a news article on one of Greece's popular news sites, the dessert, which is an identical recipe to Laz pastry, was praised. The article described the dessert's characteristics as follows: "Galaktoboureko, shown among the most beloved desserts of Greek cuisine, stands out with its creamy semolina milk custard between crispy phyllo layers and the syrup poured over it. This traditional dessert, known to be difficult to make, can also be prepared at home if the right steps are followed."
THEY DECLARED IT A THESSALONIKI DESSERT AND LISTED TURKISH DESSERTS
In the said article, it was claimed that "Galaktoboureko" is one of the main pillars of Thessaloniki's rich dessert culture. However, it was also notable that the list, asserted to belong to Thessaloniki culture, included many flavors from Turkish cuisine. The list in the article stated: "Many desserts such as Bougatsa, trigona panoramatos, tsoureki, baklava, galaktoboureko, kazandibi, künefe, profiterole, and tulumba are shown among the parts of Thessaloniki's rich dessert culture."
After baklava, döner, cacık, and Turkish coffee, the attempt by Greece to also claim the Laz pastry from the Black Sea region has added a new dimension to the "gastronomy wars" between the two countries.